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It seems that today, we can’t do enough to adequately protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s all very well having a strict attitude towards sun protection as an adult, but what if your parents didn’t feel the same way when you were young? Is it really true that by the time you’re old enough to know better, the damage has already been done? We asked the experts.

Don’t risk a bad sunburn

“This is a medical myth that has been perpetuated,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson. “Recent studies show that about 25 per cent of our lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. This means the majority of sun damage actually occurs after this time. However, suffering with one or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma, which can be potentially fatal.”

Protect yourself inside and out

“For many, there was a lack of awareness regarding the dangers of the sun when they were younger, so they were exposed without adequate protection,” says Dr Terry Loong, integrative cosmetic and skin doctor. “Younger skin cells also turn over or repair quicker, so the damage may not be seen straight away. The accumulation of sun damage will lead to changes in the cells’ DNA, resulting in brown spots or age spots, premature wrinkles, rough skin texture or even skin cancer, which normally starts to show from your thirties. “This is why it is so important to protect the skin from UV rays both inside out. Applying sunscreen during the day and taking supplements including omega 3 will help optimise the skin’s repair. Omega 3 has been proven to reduce the risk of sun damage by 50 per cent.”

SPF is not only for holidays

“It’s been suggested that we receive about 80 per cent of our lifetime ultraviolet (UV) dose by the age of 18,” says Dr Marko Lens, plastic and reconstructive surgeon and skin cancer expert. “This is not true. Sun damage is cumulative. According to research, we get about 10 per cent more sun damage every decade after the age of 18. In the age group of 19-40 we get about 47 per cent, in the age group 41-59 we get 74 per cent while in the age group 60-78 we get 100 per cent of the lifetime sun exposure. “The best way to deal with it is to protect the skin and stop tanning. Regular use of sunscreen SPF 30 is essential every morning. I also recommend use of topical antioxidant to reduce formation of hazardous free radicals.”